Describes the battles fought along the mountainous border lining Italy and Austria during World War I, including the role of the Allied forces, Italy's charismatic commanders, and how the war impacted Italy's political future.
Oxford-based social scientist and military historian Thompson describes what he calls the most savage fighting of the Great War, along the front where Italy attacked the Austro-Hungarian Empire and a million men died in battle, of wounds or diseases, or as prisoners. It was called white because of the mountains: bare rock either blaring in the summer sun or covered with winter snow. His topics include a mania for expansion, Cadorna's clenched fist, from position to attrition, year zero, the return blow, starlight from violence, whiteness, the gospel of energy, the traitor of Carzano, and from victory to disaster. Annotation ©2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
